On June 27, 2025, the entertainment industry and fans worldwide were plunged into shock and sorrow with the sudden passing of Shefali Jariwala, famously known as the “Kaanta Laga” girl. The 42-year-old actress and model, celebrated for her iconic 2002 remix video that became a cultural phenomenon, reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest at her Mumbai residence. Her death has left a void, prompting an outpouring of tributes and an ongoing investigation into the exact cause.
Shefali was rushed to Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital in Mumbai late that night by her husband, Parag Tyagi, and three others, but she was declared dead on arrival. Initial reports suggested a cardiac arrest, though Mumbai Police have stated that the cause remains unconfirmed pending a post-mortem examination at Cooper Hospital. The suddenness of her departure has stunned her fans, colleagues, and family, with many recalling her vibrant presence on screen and her resilience shared in past interviews.
Born in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Shefali rose to fame with the energetic “Kaanta Laga” song, which redefined Indian music videos in the early 2000s. Her career extended to Bollywood films like Mujhse Shaadi Karogi and reality television, notably Bigg Boss 13, where her spirited personality won hearts. Despite her success, she once revealed in a throwback interview her struggle with epilepsy, diagnosed at 15, which she said impacted her acting opportunities. This openness endeared her to many, showcasing her strength amid personal challenges.
The news broke via journalist Vickey Lalwani’s social media post, triggering an immediate wave of grief. Parag Tyagi, visibly devastated, was seen leaving the hospital with their pet dog Simba, holding a photo of Shefali, a poignant image that circulated widely. Her last rites were conducted on June 28 at Oshiwara Crematorium, the same venue as Sidharth Shukla’s farewell, adding a layer of irony given her recent tribute to him on his death anniversary. Videos of her mother, Sunita Jariwala, fainting during the funeral procession and Parag’s emotional farewell have left fans heartbroken.
Tributes flooded in from across the industry. Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit called her a “brilliant actress” and a “great loss,” while actors like Aly Goni and Mika Singh expressed shock on social media. Her Bigg Boss 13 co-contestant Devoleena Bhattacharjee shared a heartfelt photo, and Kamya Panjabi mourned the loss of a friend. Fans on platforms like X reminisced about her legacy, with some highlighting an old video where she embraced her “Kaanta Laga” identity till her “day I die”—a statement now tinged with tragic irony.
The circumstances surrounding her death have raised questions. Reports suggest she took her usual medication and an anti-aging injection earlier that day, after which her blood pressure reportedly dropped drastically. Mumbai Police, ruling out foul play, are awaiting post-mortem results, which could clarify if cardiac arrest or other factors were involved. The presence of a forensic team at her Andheri home indicates a thorough investigation, reflecting the public’s demand for answers.
Shefali’s personal life also drew attention, particularly her marriage to Parag since 2014 and her past with two failed marriages, which some speculate may have contributed to emotional strain. Her bond with Sidharth Shukla, another Bigg Boss 13 star who died of cardiac arrest in 2021, added a poignant note, with her last social media post honoring him. This parallel has fueled discussions about health awareness among young celebrities.
The tragedy has sparked broader conversations about sudden cardiac arrests, with experts noting symptoms like chest pain or dizziness that are often ignored. Her death, following others like Shukla and Sonali Phogat, underscores the unpredictability of health issues, even in the prime of life. As the industry mourns, calls for better medical support for entertainers have emerged, alongside tributes celebrating Shefali’s indelible mark on Indian pop culture.
Her legacy as the “Kaanta Laga” girl lives on, but her untimely exit at 42 serves as a somber reminder of life’s fragility. The final post-mortem report, expected soon, may provide closure, but for now, the nation grieves a star whose light shone brightly yet briefly.
